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Sugar Substitution Guide

Discover healthier alternatives to refined sugar for your recipes. Get accurate conversion ratios, sweetness comparisons, and expert tips for successful sugar-free baking.

Sugar Substitution Calculator

Convert between different sweeteners with accurate ratios, liquid adjustments, and nutritional comparisons

Original Recipe

Sweetness
100%
Calories/cup
774
Glycemic Index
65
Type
Solid

Substitute Options (17)

Turbinado Sugar (Raw)

#1
Use this amount:
1.00 cup
Sweetness
โ‰ˆ 0%
Calories
โ‰ˆ 0%
GI
โ‰ˆ 0%
Sweetness
100%
Cal/cup
774
GI
65

Partially refined, larger crystals, subtle molasses flavor

Coconut Sugar

#2
Use this amount:
1.00 cup
Sweetness
โ‰ˆ 0%
Calories
โ‰ˆ 3%
GI
โ†‘ 17%
Sweetness
100%
Cal/cup
748
GI
54

Caramel flavor, contains minerals and inulin fiber

Corn Syrup

Liquid Sweetener
#3
Use this amount:
12.8 tbsp cups
โš ๏ธ Reduce liquids by 3.2 tbsp cups
Sweetness
โ†“ 20%
Calories
โ‰ˆ 5%
GI
โ†“ 38%
Sweetness
80%
Cal/cup
814
GI
90

Prevents crystallization, mild flavor

Maple Syrup

Liquid Sweetener
#4
Use this amount:
1.33 cups
โš ๏ธ Reduce liquids by 4.3 tbsp cups
Sweetness
โ‰ˆ 10%
Calories
โ‰ˆ 6%
GI
โ†‘ 17%
Sweetness
110%
Cal/cup
819
GI
54

Rich flavor, contains antioxidants and minerals

Date Sugar

#5
Use this amount:
1.00 cup
Sweetness
โ‰ˆ 0%
Calories
โ‰ˆ 7%
GI
โ†“ 58%
Sweetness
100%
Cal/cup
720
GI
103

Ground dried dates, does not dissolve fully

Sucanat

#6
Use this amount:
1.00 cup
Sweetness
โ‰ˆ 0%
Calories
โ‰ˆ 7%
GI
โ‰ˆ 0%
Sweetness
100%
Cal/cup
720
GI
65

Whole cane sugar, retains all molasses

Brown Sugar

#7
Use this amount:
1.00 cup
Sweetness
โ‰ˆ 0%
Calories
โ‰ˆ 8%
GI
โ‰ˆ 2%
Sweetness
100%
Cal/cup
836
GI
64

Contains molasses, adds moisture and caramel flavor

Muscovado Sugar

#8
Use this amount:
1.00 cup
Sweetness
โ‰ˆ 0%
Calories
โ‰ˆ 8%
GI
โ‰ˆ 2%
Sweetness
100%
Cal/cup
836
GI
64

Unrefined, very moist, strong molasses flavor

Molasses

Liquid Sweetener
#9
Use this amount:
12.3 tbsp cups
โš ๏ธ Reduce liquids by 2.5 tbsp cups
Sweetness
โ†“ 25%
Calories
โ†“ 24%
GI
โ†‘ 15%
Sweetness
75%
Cal/cup
960
GI
55

Strong flavor, rich in iron and minerals

Agave Nectar

Liquid Sweetener
#10
Use this amount:
1.49 cups
โš ๏ธ Reduce liquids by 6.0 tbsp cups
Sweetness
โ†‘ 50%
Calories
โ†“ 32%
GI
โ†‘ 77%
Sweetness
150%
Cal/cup
1023
GI
15

Very sweet, low GI but high fructose content

Honey

Liquid Sweetener
#11
Use this amount:
1.33 cups
โš ๏ธ Reduce liquids by 5.3 tbsp cups
Sweetness
โ†‘ 30%
Calories
โ†“ 33%
GI
โ†‘ 11%
Sweetness
130%
Cal/cup
1031
GI
58

Natural sweetener, adds floral notes and moisture

Rice Syrup

Liquid Sweetener
#12
Use this amount:
10.7 tbsp cups
โš ๏ธ Reduce liquids by 2.7 tbsp cups
Sweetness
โ†“ 50%
Calories
โ†“ 34%
GI
โ†“ 51%
Sweetness
50%
Cal/cup
1040
GI
98

Mild flavor, very high GI

Powdered/Confectioners Sugar

#13
Use this amount:
9.1 tbsp cups
Sweetness
โ‰ˆ 0%
Calories
โ†‘ 40%
GI
โ‰ˆ 0%
Sweetness
100%
Cal/cup
467
GI
65

Finely ground sugar with cornstarch, dissolves quickly

Xylitol

#14
Use this amount:
1.00 cup
Sweetness
โ‰ˆ 0%
Calories
โ†‘ 69%
GI
โ†‘ 89%
Sweetness
100%
Cal/cup
240
GI
7

Sugar alcohol, toxic to pets, may cause digestive issues

Erythritol

#15
Use this amount:
12.3 tbsp cups
Sweetness
โ†“ 30%
Calories
โ†‘ 97%
GI
โ†‘ 100%
Sweetness
70%
Cal/cup
20
GI
0

Sugar alcohol, cooling effect, digestive issues possible

Stevia (granulated)

#16
Use this amount:
2.00 cups
Sweetness
โ†‘ 100%
Calories
โ†‘ 100%
GI
โ†‘ 100%
Sweetness
200%
Cal/cup
0
GI
0

Zero calorie, plant-based, can have bitter aftertaste

Monk Fruit Sweetener

#17
Use this amount:
2.00 cups
Sweetness
โ†‘ 100%
Calories
โ†‘ 100%
GI
โ†‘ 100%
Sweetness
200%
Cal/cup
0
GI
0

Zero calorie, no aftertaste, expensive

Legend

โ†“Lower/Better (10%+ improvement)
โ‰ˆSimilar (within 10%)
โ†‘Higher/Worse (10%+ increase)
Note: When substituting liquid sweeteners for granulated sugar, reduce other liquids in the recipe to maintain proper consistency. Always consider flavor profiles and baking properties when choosing substitutes.

Sugar Substitution Mastery

โš–๏ธ

Measure Accurately

Different sweeteners have varying densities and sweetness levels. Use proper conversion ratios.

๐Ÿ’ง

Adjust Liquids

Liquid sweeteners like honey add moisture. Reduce other liquids by 1/4 cup per cup of sweetener.

๐ŸŒก๏ธ

Lower Temperature

Natural sweeteners caramelize faster. Reduce oven temperature by 25ยฐF when using honey or maple syrup.

๐Ÿงช

Test & Adjust

Start with small batches when experimenting. Taste and adjust sweetness to your preference.